Wrestling star Afa Anoa’i, part of The Wild Samoans tag team with brother Sika Anoa’i, passed away at the age of 81.
Afa’s family confirmed the news on Friday, August 16. This sad event follows the death of Sika, who was 79, less than two months ago.
“With deep regret, we announce the passing of my father Afa Anoa’i Sr.,” son Samu shared on Facebook, as reported by ESPN. “He peacefully transitioned, surrounded by loved ones. Kindly respect our privacy during this time of mourning.”
While the cause of death was not revealed, Afa had been receiving hospice care recently. He had experienced two heart attacks while battling pneumonia in January and had multiple back surgeries after fracturing his back in a fall in March.
Afa and Sika teamed up in the 1970s, winning titles in promotions like Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance. They joined WWE (WWF at the time) in 1979 and excelled in the 1980s, securing the World Tag Team Championship three times.
Upon retiring from WWE in 1995, Afa and Sika established a training facility and were later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
WWE paid tribute to Afa with a moment of silence on Friday Night Smackdown, and Roman Reigns, Afa’s nephew and Sika’s son, honored his uncle in a post that same day.
“Our family mourns another significant loss with the passing of my uncle and WWE Hall of Famer, Gataivasā Afa Amituana’i Anoa’i,” Reigns expressed. “We appreciate the support and find solace in knowing he is at peace. Afa and my father, Pola’ivao Leati Sika Anoa’I, were not only loving brothers but also the greatest tag team of their era, and now they are reunited in heaven. Rest in Power, Wild Samoans.”
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